TRADITIONAL BOATS SET SAIL FOR CUMBRAE

Traditional boats and crews from the Basque Country, Spain's Galician region and Ireland's Atlantic coast will join boats from across Scotland in a weekend celebrating our common maritime heritage. The west coast island of Cumbrae is set to host the international gathering this weekend; celebrating maritime heritage and culture from across the four regions. Sail and Oar at Cumbrae will feature wooden boats from all four regions, together with traditional crafts and music for a weekend of activity on land and water.

This event is a partnership between two social enterprises, GalGael Trust and Cumbrae Community Development Company (CCDC). Glasgow-based GalGael are well known for engaging the community in building and sailing traditional boats in celebration of Scotland’s heritage. The locally-run CCDC is Cumbrae’s development trust – born out of a successful campaign to save and restore the historically significant Garrison House. The Garrison is now an important local facility and base to CCDC’s offices. The Sail and Oar Festival will take place in the grounds of the 18th century building that played a key role in attempts to stifle smuggling on the Clyde.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES include the arrival of the N. Irish curragh on Thursday 12th (time dependent on weather, ring Martin 07921 453 196) and crews with boats in Millport bay on Saturday 14th.

CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Martin Hughes 07921 453 196 or 0141 427 3070

Gehan Macleod 07974 733232 or 0141 427 3070

The full press release can be downloaded here. The full programme can be downloaded here.